Halberd-leaved Rose Mallow -- Hibiscus laevis

These will start out as tiny babies but grow quickly once they settle in and are kept moist enough.

Features:  Its large showy flowers are white to light pink with red centers and as showy as some non-native cultivars such as Rose of Sharon, but far better for local pollinators. Each flower is open for only a day, but a succession of them extends the bloom period. They leave behind a large seed capsule, providing winter interest and bird food.

Many native bees collect pollen from the generous flowers and rest in them during foraging flights. Several species of beetles breed on the plant. Most are native but you should watch for the non-native Japanese Beetles that also find it tasty.

Light: Full or partial sun

Soil: Wet to Moist; good for the rain garden

Height: 3-6 feet

Blooms:  July to August

See more information and photos at Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

Photo credit: 1, 3. Illinois Wildflowers, 2. Carolyn Cullen, West Cook Wild Ones